Colitis & Me: A Story of Recovery
by Raman Prasad
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Book Reviews of Colitis & Me: A Story of Recovery
Book Review: Saved me
Summary: 5 Stars
I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in Feb 2003 (aged 30) before being repeatedly misdiagnosed for hemorrhoids. The doctor put me on Pentasa for which had absolutely no effect. Disillusioned, I stopped the pentasa and tried alternative therapy (Ayurveda and Yoga) for 3 months which had no effect either. In Dec 2003, I went on Prednisolone which of course had an immediate positive impact but clearly wasn't a long term solution. Over the next few months, I was weaned off the prednisolone steroids and I started taking ASA and continued to endure active colitis symptoms for another 18 months. Life was horrible. A good day was when I didn't have to go to the toilet for 4 hours. I discovered this book on Amazon without knowing anything about the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. When I was done with book I immediately got on the diet and my bowel frequency dropped almost overnight and I started passing normal looking stools (albeit still bloody and mucousy) within a couple of weeks. Later I was hospitalized for an unrelated reason and my specialist discovered as part of a sigmoidoscopy that my bowels were mostly ok. The 2.5 years of active colitis had however resulted in a massive polyp (as scar tissue) which was causing most of the bleeding. The poly was removed a few months later and I have been practically symptom free since (almost 4 years now). When I do get the occasional bleeding, I go back on the diet for a few months which makes my symptoms go away. I want to say thank you so much for writing this book and sharing your experiences and thank you Elaine Gottschall for giving me a new lease of a healthy life.Book Review: A challenge to the medical establishment
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book in about two days - I couldn't put it down once I had started it. I didn't immediately think I would be interested in the subject matter because I myself don't suffer from colitis, but I was completely engaged by Prasad's brave account of his life from the time he began having digestive trouble (in high school) to the moment that he figures out how to treat his condition through diet. I was infuriated to read his accounts of doctor after doctor declaring him "healthy" after rounds of blood tests while his body was obviously malfunctioning. When Prasad begins shopping around for doctors and researching his illness on his own he discovers that the medication he was prescribed early on probably worsened his condition. This story is pertinent to anyone who has had trouble getting their health problems diagnosed (much less cured) by doctors.
Prasad offers his readers a true and honest account of his (sometimes unflattering) emotional states as he comes to terms with the enormous life change he underwent when he began suffering from colitis. By the time Prasad finds a diet that allows him to manage his digestion he has gone through denial, anger, guarded (and wild) optimism, shame, bitterness, frustration, hopelessness and hopefulness.
The book itself is a beautifully designed object. It is a real pleasure to read and I'm very happy to see that it is available on Amazon. This book deserves a wide audience.
Book Review: A unique and inspirational book!
Summary: 5 Stars
Not only is this an excellent book for those suffering from bowel disorders, but I feel that anyone with health issues can benefit from the text. The author shares his battle with a debilitating bowel diasese (Ulcerative Colitis). He shares the most personal of experiences as he hits the lowest of lows but continues to fight back and take control of his health...and his life again. Very inspirational! The author has a unique writing style that captivates the reader and makes one hang onto his every written word. The artwork is outstanding, as well. It is unique in its own right, and fits in very nicely with the text. Those with bowel issues will most certainly relate and find this book helpful, but I think anyone who has ever faced an "uphill battle" in life (who hasn't?)will benefit from reading how the author found the inner strength to continue to fight his battle with illness despite a lack of insight from the medical community, a lack of support, at times, from loved ones and a deminishing state of health. Great book!!!!!!!Book Review: An Enthralling and Moving Read
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased a copy of "Colitis and Me" on the recommendation of a friend. This debut novel is a truly excellent read - once I started it, I could not put it down and read through the night. Raman Prasad's story of his battle with colitis - and his eventual triumph over the disease - is pithy, moving, heartwarming and immensely readable.
In a strange and exhilirating way, Prasad leads the reader into his reality and the suffering he experiences through high school and college. The saga is so gripping that I felt I was caught up in a thriller - and I had to know the end (thus the all-night read!). In it's effect on me, I would compare Prasad's writing with that of Jon Krakauer (Into the Wild, Into Thin Air).
I would also like to point out that the book is visually a treat - great designs and graphics which are unconventional yet completely relevant to the story Prasad narrates.
I highly recommend Prasad's book to all.
Book Review: Engaging story for anyone
Summary: 5 Stars
I will start off by saying that I don't have colitis. I borrowed this book from a friend for a long bus trip, and I read it straight through. IBD must be a nasty affliction to have, to be sure, but that's not what kept me turning page after page. Prasad's narrative is so thoroughly engaging and intelligent that he could have been writing about someone's battle with a splinter received from a chopstick and still I would have kept reading.Both the nature of IBD and its associated medical consequences are obviously complex and not well understood, and Prasad explains them clearly and doesn't let the explanations muddy the overall narrative. This, coupled with the wonderful design and layout of the book makes for a enjoyable read. I look forward to his next publication.